United Nations

Office for Disarmament

Affairs

Spotlights

See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.

Updates

See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.

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1540 TechHorizon Launched: Exploring Future Opportunities

A consortium of experts from universities across the United Kingdom (UK) and government officials gathered in London on 18 September 2025 to launch the 1540 TechHorizon initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.

The initiative aims to explore how UK-based academic, technical, and policy communities can contribute collaboratively to the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540, especially in the face of the threat from emerging technologies, as well as the opportunities presented by new technology. Convened by the…

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Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention in Central Asia and Mongolia

From 23 to 24 September 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) organized a regional workshop on the implementation of the BWC in Central Asia and Mongolia.  The workshop was held in cooperation with the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The purpose of the workshop was to deepen participants’ understanding of the Convention and to inform about the efforts within…

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African diplomats and experts reflect on developments in science and technology and their implications for international peace and security and on the Continent

On 17 September, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) convened a virtual regional briefing on Security and Technology for African diplomats and experts. The objective was to prepare delegates, both in New York and in capitals, for the upcoming 80th session of the First Committee of the General Assembly scheduled for October in New York. The briefing, organized in collaboration with UNODA’s Science, Technology and International Security Unit (STU), unpacked the emerging international peace and security threats posed by artificial intelligence,…

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Southern Africa vows to strengthen regional cooperation and foster gender responsive arms control to address the illicit proliferation of Small Arms in the region

Southern Africa vows to strengthen regional cooperation and foster gender responsive arms control to address the illicit proliferation of Small Arms in the region

On 3–4 September 2025, United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa and the South African Development Community co-hosted a Regional Strategic Workshop in Johannesburg on gender mainstreaming in small arms control in Southern Africa. The workshop aimed to: (i) build Member States’ capacity to develop gender-responsive policies and programmes for implementing the UN PoA; and (ii) strengthen…

Events and Announcements

See the top events and announcements from UNODA.

Announcements

ODA at a glance

UNODA supports the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures after a conflict, such as disarming and demobilizing former combatants and helping them to reintegrate in civil society.

Provides information to Member States

UNODA provides objective, impartial and up-to-date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public.

Structure of ODA

The main parts of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction

Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

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Conventional Arms

Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).

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Regional Disarmament

The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.

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Emerging Challenges

Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.

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Cross-cutting issues

Include UNODA’s work in education, youth, gender, counter-terrorism the environment, among other areas.

Watch and Learn

Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.

What is disarmament?

Throughout history, countries have pursued disarmament to stop arms races, build trust, and protect people from harm. Disarmament has been central to the work of the United Nations since its founding, and it is critical for building a more secure and peaceful world. But what actually is disarmament? This video introduces audiences to the ideas and concepts behind disarmament and arms control.

How does disarmament and arms control work?

This video takes a look at the processes and mechanisms behind modern disarmament and arms control, and how we work together to realise disarmament goals.

How to engage

In this video we look at how individuals can engage with disarmament, and the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination at all levels. We also look at the need to engage with more diverse groups to bring new perspectives, expertise and ideas to the table.

Disarmament in the 21st Century

This video introduces audiences to “Securing our Common Future”, the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. The Agenda is based on four key pillars designed to bring the objectives of disarmament into the 21st century. Examining each of the pillars, this video looks at how we approach disarmament today.

Disarmament and the Sustainable Development Goals

Here we take a look at the vital role disarmament and arms control play in achieving the sustainable development goals.

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